Hiring Salary Range : $ 146,000.00 - 186,000.00
This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an annual bonus, employee share investment program (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.
At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you're part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely?helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!
Job Summary
The incumbentis responsible for providing defense for U.S. litigation matters at CN, including grade crossing accidents, employee injury claims (Federal Employers Liability Act claims), personal injury claims, trespasser and premises liability claims, property damage claims, and contractual disputes The position responds to subpoenas, complaints, and causes of action entered against CN's U.S. subsidiary railroads. This includes drafting answers and other pleadings, dispositive motions, attending court appearance, settlement conferences, conducting written discovery, taking depositions and taking cases to trial.
Main Responsibilities
Litigation Management
· Manage and provide strategic oversight of a diverse portfolio of U.S. litigation matters.
· Draft, review, and file pleadings, motions, and other legal documents in a timely and accurate manner.
· Conduct and defend depositions of fact and expert witnesses.
· Prepare witnesses for depositions and trial testimony.
· Collaborate closely with the Risk Mitigation Department to develop and advance effective defense strategies and legal theories.
· Represent the organization in court proceedings, including hearings, oral arguments, mediations, and trials.
· Assist with incident investigations and ensure proper identification, preservation, and management of evidence.
· Coordinate with internal business units to obtain facts, documentation, and subject-matter expertise relevant to litigation matters.
· Oversee document preservation, collection, and production throughout the discovery process.
· Evaluate litigation risks and recommend case resolution strategies, including settlement options and requests for settlement authority.
· Participate in mediation and facilitation sessions to support efficient and favorable dispute resolution.
· Provide regular, clear, and concise status reports and strategic updates to senior leadership.
Working Conditions
The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday and is eligible to participate in CN's hybrid work model. The incumbent must be available to work weekends and overtime hours when necessary. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and stress. The role requirestravel (40%) across the United States to attend court proceedings and depositions, attend mediations, visit incident sites, and meet with witnesses.
Requirements
Experience
· Minimum5 years of relevant litigation experience as in-house or external counsel in both State and Federal Court
o Experiencewith taking cases to trial and as an active litigator
o Experienceworking in the transportation, trucking, or railroad industry*
o Experience defending FELA cases
Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset
Education/Certification/Designation
· Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
· Active member in good standing with a state bar in the United States
· Active member in good standing with Illinois or Tennessee state bars
Any background for these above would be considered as an asset
Competencies
· Identifies potential safety and security risks
· Inspires others with impactful communications and adapts to the audience
· Initiates and drives organizational changes to enable business transformation
· Makes informed and timely decisions to get things done
· Influences by translating expertise into practical business outcomes
· Deals with pressure and change by staying calm to quickly adapt to changes
· Confidence and assertiveness
· Negotiates towards a win-win outcome while taking all points of view into consideration
Technical Skills/Knowledge
· General Microsoft computer skills
· Knowledge of civil procedure rules and relevant court proceedings
· Awareness of evolving applicable laws
· Familiarity with legal research tools (e.g. Bloomberg, Lexis, Westlaw)
· Knowledge of FELA*
· Knowledge of railway operations
Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset but not required
About CN
CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 20,000-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest (https://www.cn.ca/en/safety/) , most inclusive (https://www.cn.ca/en/careers/inclusion) and sustainable (https://www.cn.ca/en/delivering-responsibly/environment/) railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca .
As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
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